Forget the crack of the bat and the pop of the glove — we hear the sweet sounds of pads crashing and know there's nothing quite like spring college football.

But it's a long offseason, and the best position battles don't get settled until the summer (and sometimes later than that).

Wisconsin quarterback Curt Phillips will have a battle on his hands to hold onto his starting job this spring. (AP Photo)

Is there a higher-profile position battle than Max Wittek vs. Max Browne to replace Matt Barkley as Southern Cal quarterback? Probably not, though we wonder how much America will care about the Trojans' quarterback play when they're buried in the Pac-12 standings by the end of October.

Let's look at the position battles that will do more to shape the 2013 season. Here are 10 of the most important ones:

1. Offensive line, Alabama

The Tide's 2012 line was one of the true greats. With Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker gone, reassembling things up front is the No. 1 factor in Alabama's attempt to threepeat as national champ.

Ryan Kelly is a strong favorite to start at center as a redshirt sophomore. Austin Shepherd might've expected to replace Fluker at right tackle after being No. 2 on the depth chart in 2011 and 2012, but junior college transfer Leon Brown has at least an even-money shot to start. Similarly, Chad Lindsay, last year's backup to Warmack, will have to fight tooth and nail with Arie Kouandjio — brother of starting left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio — to get the nod at left guard.

2. Quarterback, Arkansas

Bret Bielema is hoping like crazy to see a clear answer. What happened to Bielema at Wisconsin in 2012, the one year when he had no clear answer at quarterback? Six losses, that's what.

Brandon Allen was No. 2 to Tyler Wilson, but he's not a sure thing after completing less than 50 percent of his throws as a redshirt freshman. Third-teamer Brandon Mitchell — who played some wide receiver in 2012 — has physical tools that could intrigue a new staff. Transfers A.J. Derby and Taylor Reed have experience and potential, and everyone's pumped about Brandon's little brother, 2013 four-star signee Austin Allen, who was a two-time state champ at Fayetteville High School.

3. Wide receiver, Florida

No wideout on last season's 11-win team had more than 36 catches or 383 receiving yards. How is that possible? That's how bad the Gators were at slingin' the pill.

It simply must change this season or else Will Muschamp can forget about his program taking the next step. Jeff Driskel needs help, dang it. Is freshman early enrollee Demarcus Robinson the star many believe he's destined to be? Latroy Pittman is long on potential, short on production. Andre Debose — the guy whose stats are noted above — probably won't be much more dynamic as a senior than he was as a junior.

4. Quarterback, Florida State

Oh, there's talent at the position in Tallahassee. But then, there's always talent. Great talent didn't keep EJ Manuel from being inconsistent.

So will it be former superstar recruit (and 2012 redshirt) Jameis Winston? Or will it be Manuel understudy and all-around program guy Clint Trickett, who has played before and done pretty well? Or — yep, one more legit "or" — will it be Jacob Coker, a 6-6, 227-pound dude whose frame and throwing ability scream I-should-be-starting-somewhere?

5. Quarterback, Kansas State

Here's the minimum Daniel Sams has going for him: As Collin Klein's backup, he soaked up everything he could from the most influential player in program history. Also, Sams' teammates like and respect him. Those are the makings of a strong case to start.

But newcomer Jake Waters was the No. 1-rated junior college quarterback in the country. He hasn't proven a thing to his fellow Wildcats, but he'll get that chance this spring. The orderly Bill Snyder won't allow this decision to be rushed.

6. Defensive end, LSU

One must wonder if the losses of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, combined with the dominance of Alabama and the rise of Texas A&M, relegates the Tigers to also-ran status in the SEC before the 2013 season even begins.

Les Miles would consider that question crazier than anything Bobby Hebert has ever asked him. He knows he has ends in Baton Rouge — Jermauria Rasco, Danielle Hunter — with massive potential, as well as a true freshman in Frank Herron who might have the most upside of all. With others in the mix, the competition for starting spots will be beyond intense.

7. Quarterback: Oklahoma State

Somebody has to win the Big 12, and there's little question it could be the Cowboys if they get good quarterback play from Wes Lunt … or J.W. Walsh … or Clint Chelf.

The three passers all started at times in 2012, all showed great promise — and all are in Stillwater for another go-round. Considering Mike Gundy named a starter (Lunt) after spring practices a year ago, it's possible no QB battle will rage harder in coming weeks than this one.

8. Running back, Stanford

With all due respect to Kevin Hogan, the biggest key to Stanford's offense last season was running back Stepfan Taylor. (The ultimate security blanket that was tight end Zach Ertz was a huge key, too.) With Taylor gone, Anthony Wilkerson and Tyler Gaffney will go head to head. Both will be seniors, and both have the sort of workhorse builds that David Shaw needs in his pro-style attack.

9. Quarterback, Wisconsin

The truth is, there was no excellent answer to the question of how to replace Russell Wilson. First Maryland transfer Danny O'Brien failed to hold down the starting job, and then walk-on Joel Stave was injured just as he was beginning to shine. Oft-injured Curt Phillips came on and did OK. All three must prove themselves from scratch to a new coaching staff.

The thing about that is Bart Houston, who redshirted in 2012, might wind up being the best option in the minds of Gary Andersen and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Basically, every remaining day of the offseason will matter to Badgers, who've made three consecutive trips to the Rose Bowl but can't honestly expect to compete with Ohio State without a reliable guy under center.

10. Quarterback, Notre Dame

Everett Golson or Gunner Kiel? That's a serious question. No, really.

Look, if Kiel seems too talented — or at least too highly touted — not to start eventually, then why can't eventually start in 2013? At this time last year, no one expected Golson to get the call from Brian Kelly for 2012. Golson was pretty good as a starter, sure, but he was far from great. If he isn't markedly improved in spring ball, Kelly will call this job open all over again, you just watch.